A “Memorialable” Day
Thankfully the rain held out so we could enjoy Memorial Day. The ceremony held at East Washington Park Cemetery was a beautifully planned ceremony by Bert Petigrove of Flanner & Buchanan.
As Tim said in his speech, “As a combat veteran, this Memorial Day means more to my family and I than ever. We have a better understanding of selfless service, dedication, and love.”
How very I am to have missed that special event! Duty called me, however, to honor my special lifelong friend in Buffalo, NY. You know I’d never miss one of Tim’s speeches or an opportunity to do honor to all those who serve this wonderful country. I’m certain he did downplay his role, but we all know how instrumental he was in bringing everyone safely home.
Jean - May 29th, 2008 at 8:40 pmLove you, Tim and of course, all of the Stoner 6.
xoxox
Jean
Bert was my mentor at Washington Park East as a Family Service Advisor- he is one of the most upstanding, honorable and kind people I am proud to call a friend. He was the one who encouraged my tendancy to want to serve first - to hold the hearts, hands, and frames of grief-stricken or alive and terrified of the “great beyond” - treating them with kindness, meeting their needs, CARING about what how they navigated the only process that each one of us will experience; and that being a “job” for us, acting honorably would lead to our needs being met…not a hard sell.
That said, I know Bert cared so, so much about creating a wonderful, memorable experience - and Tim was a major part of that. I hope that it was as memorable and wonderful for you as he wanted it to be- Bert about had the life sucked out of him (well, at least he locked his keys in his car twice when we were talking) in between what was done for me and a reflective, well-executed celebration and memorial.
It warms and brightens my spirit that I have friends like you…like BP…I am so blessed. And Tim, I STILL look forward to meeting you.
Much love from Number 18
Ellen Osborn - May 30th, 2008 at 11:31 pm